Opposition HQ torched in DR Congo

Armed men set fire to the headquarters of DRC’s main opposition party leaving at least two people dead. four other opposition party offices were also set ablaze.

According to BBC’s Africa’s French service, witnesses said that members of the presidential guard were behind one of the attacks.

Deadly protests erupted on Monday, after the country’s electoral commission decided to postpone the next presidential election that was due to be held in November.

The opposition view this as a ploy for President Joseph Kabila to prolong his stay in power despite being barred by constitutional term limits to run for re-election.

There are conflicting reports as to the number of deaths so far. While the government says 17 people have been killed, opposition puts the toll at 50 people, while Human Rights Watch says that at least 37 people have died.

The international community has called for calm in the country while activists in DRC have created an online event as part of their efforts to mount pressure on President Kabila to step aside.